106 - Introduction to That Hideous Strength

This novel is a retelling of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, narrated by Orual, the ugly and bitter older sister of the beautiful Psyche. Orual's story is a complex exploration of envy, betrayal, loss, and the journey towards self-awareness and redemption. The book delves into Orual's life as she grapples with her love for Psyche, her anger towards the gods, and her eventual realization of her own flaws and the true nature of her feelings. The narrative is divided into two parts, reflecting Orual's transformation from a state of bitterness and self-deception to one of understanding and mercy.

God in the Dock is a collection of essays and addresses by C.S. Lewis, covering a wide range of theological and philosophical topics. The essays explore various aspects of Christian belief, including the nature of faith, the problem of evil, and the relationship between Christianity and culture. Lewis's clear and engaging writing style makes complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. The book showcases his intellectual prowess and his ability to articulate Christian thought in a compelling and persuasive manner. It remains a valuable resource for those seeking to understand Lewis's perspective on faith and reason.

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.

Published in 1945, 'That Hideous Strength' is the final book in C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy. The story takes place on Earth and follows the character Mark Studdock, a young sociology faculty member at Bracton College, as he becomes entangled with the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N. I. C. E. ), a sinister organization with totalitarian ambitions. The novel delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the struggle between good and evil, featuring characters from the previous books in the trilogy, including Elwin Ransom. It critiques the dangers of logical positivism and the erosion of moral values, drawing parallels with other dystopian works like George Orwell's '1984'.

In 'Perelandra', the second book of C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy, Dr. Elwin Ransom is transported to the planet Perelandra (Venus) to counter a temptation similar to that of Eve in the Garden of Eden. The planet, described as a paradise with floating islands, rich colors, and peaceful creatures, is home to a Green Lady and her King, who are the only sentient inhabitants. Ransom must thwart the plans of Dr. Edward Weston, who has been possessed by diabolical forces and aims to tempt the Green Lady into disobeying Maleldil’s (God’s) prohibition against dwelling on the Fixed Land. The novel explores themes of obedience, free will, and the struggle between good and evil, culminating in a physical battle between Ransom and the possessed Weston to determine the fate of Perelandra.

In 'Out of the Silent Planet', Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, is kidnapped by his old school acquaintance Dick Devine and the scientist Edward Weston. They take him aboard a spaceship bound for Malacandra (Mars). Upon landing, Ransom escapes and encounters the planet's inhabitants, including the humanoid hrossa and the angelic eldil. He learns that Earth is isolated from the rest of the solar system and eventually meets Oyarsa, the ruler of Malacandra. After a series of adventures and interactions with the planet's diverse species, Ransom is directed to return to Earth along with his captors, who are ordered to leave Malacandra immediately.